Biodiversity in a nutshell

Exactly how many kinds of creatures there are on Earth is unknown. Estimates vary widely, ranging from 5 to 100 million species. Only a fraction of these – 1.8 million species – have been scientifically recorded. Vast areas of biodiversity – so-called hot spots – can be found in our oceans, in the tropics and in ancient cultivated landscapes. Biodiversity is not evenly distributed. Climate and other geographical factors have led to certain regions with a particularly high density of species, ecosystems and genetic resources. Tropical rainforests, for instance, are thought to hold 50 to 70 percent of all plants and animals on our planet. Around 56,000 different plant species can be found in Brazil alone.

We humans often take the benefits of biodiversity for granted. If we look closely, it quickly becomes clear that biodiversity provides us with many services. Plants and animals provide us with nourishment, raw materials and medicines. Ecosystems provide us with clean air, fresh water and fertile soils, and protect against flooding and erosion. Our natural habitat also offers us opportunities for recreation and leisure. Industry is directly dependent on many natural raw materials, such as wood, oils, minerals and natural dyes. Some species also serve as models for technical innovation. For example, the “lotus effect” is derived from the self-cleaning and highly water repellent surface of lotus flower leaves.

Each species on this earth is a cog in the system of life that has developed over millions of years. We do well to respect, appreciate and protect them for their own sake – from simple microorganisms to fascinating dolphins and entire landscapes. We humans, as a species on this planet, are an integral part of the system of nature, and depend on it directly. In order to show the degree of our dependence on biodiversity and its importance, scientists have attempted to quantify its achievements. Here are three examples from their findings:

• An estimated 60,000 different plant species are used in traditional and modern medicine around the world.
   
• 30 percent of the world’s agricultural yield depends on pollination by animals. The total economic value of insect pollination is estimated at around 265 billion worldwide euros (Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Dresden University of Technology, University of Freiburg, 2009 figures).
   
• Around 100 million tonnes of aquatic organisms, such as fish, mussels and crustaceans, are caught annually and make a significant contribution to global food security (FAO, The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2006).

Nature is the basis of our life. And high biodiversity helps to secure our life on earth now and for generations to come. Because diversity is the most important principle of survival in nature, it fosters stability. Only with high biodiversity and species of a wide genetic variety can nature cope with change, such as different climatic conditions or new diseases and pests. However, the extinction of a species is irreversible and creates incalculable risks. Besides their intrinsic value, animals and plants play a role in the ecosystem.

The question is: When will ecosystems cease to function and stop providing their services?

When 10 percent of all species become extinct?

Or 60 percent?

Natural raw materials are at the heart of our products at Weleda. Through the cultivation of almost 248 square kilometres (the equivalent to almost 35,000 football fields) worldwide in accordance with organic cultivation guidelines, we nurture soil health and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity. Because without biodiversity, Weleda products cannot exist. 

What is that and how does it affect me?

Whether arnica, palm oil or coffee – the cultivation and trade of natural ingredients and products often cause ecological and social problems. It is no coincidence that there is growing concern about the working conditions and the environmental impact involved in the sourcing, manufacturing and sale of naturally derived products. Numerous case studies by the environmental organisation Greenpeace have shown that many companies abuse their power by violating human rights and environmental standards. The Greenpeace report, “Justice for People and Planet, 2018”, documents corporate misconduct related to deforestation, water and air pollution, chemical and nuclear accidents and violations of indigenous rights. But consumers also have power – the power of demand. Ultimately, what we demand as consumers and the purchasing decisions we make determine which products reach the markets. More and more people are taking personal responsibility for the products they buy. Their impact should not be underestimated: not only do these decisions affect the market economy, but also the welfare of people and the environment.

The supply chains behind products

Supply and value chains connect companies around the world, often across several continents. They are how companies purchase labour, raw materials, supplies and services for the manufacture of their products. Globally operating companies are opening up new markets and production sites, which can cause social and ecological problems along the supply chains – due to different legal framework conditions and minimum ecological and social standards. This can lead to a lack of transparency and inadequate enforcement of human rights and labour, social and environmental standards. Not only does this apply to production in developing and emerging countries, but also in more wealthy nations.

Example: Medicinal plants

Around 60,000 species of plants are used as medicinal ingredients around the world. According to WWF, more than 400,000 tonnes of medicinal plants with a market value of over 1 billion euros enter international markets every year (Heilkraft der Natur, 2015). Germany consumes about 45,000 tonnes of medicinal plants annually, occupying the top position in Europe. Four-fifths of all of these plants worldwide are collected in the wild – without certification or monitoring. But careless harvesting and handling have ecological, social and economic consequences. About 15,000 species are threatened by overexploitation and loss of habitat. If these plants become extinct, they will no longer be available for medicines in the countries of their origin, nor for the economy or for international consumers. 

From an ecological point of view, organic standards are the best choice. The strict guidelines by organic growers’ associations set even higher standards than those legally required. However, there remains room for improvement, for example when it comes to preserving and promoting biodiversity. From a social point of view, there is a wide range of certification standards. On the one hand, there are labels that extensively address human rights, such as the SA 8000 Social Management Standard. On the other hand, there are farming associations that work within the labour law of the country of origin, without meeting further social criteria. It can be difficult to keep track of the many different certification seals and labels. This is where the Ecolabel Index is of great value. With over 460 labels from almost 200 countries and 25 sectors, it is the largest directory of its kind.